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Come Out Wherever You Are with Sean Szeps

Storytelling Podcasts

Come Out, Wherever You Are is a podcast about the coming out experience, told by the people who’ve done it. Host Sean Szeps is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. In each episode he speaks with guests across Australia’s gender and sexual spectrum to learn about their unique experiences and understand what it’s like to come out for the first time (and every time after that). For more episodes download the free LiSTNR app.

Location:

United States

Description:

Come Out, Wherever You Are is a podcast about the coming out experience, told by the people who’ve done it. Host Sean Szeps is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. In each episode he speaks with guests across Australia’s gender and sexual spectrum to learn about their unique experiences and understand what it’s like to come out for the first time (and every time after that). For more episodes download the free LiSTNR app.

Language:

English


Episodes
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What this podcast has taught me

12/29/2022
I started this podcast to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community. I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on the 'G' but I didn't know as much about the L, or B or QTIA+ Over the course of almost 50 interviews I've become a better father, husband, friend, ally and advocate for the community. This is what I've learned ❤️ Also just a heads up - this is the final episode of this season. But you can always stay in touch with me on Instagram @seanszeps See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:17:28

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"You've had sex with MEN!?" Rob Mills on masculinity, fluidity and *that* night with Courtney Act

12/27/2022
Can you have sex with someone of the same gender and not have it define your life or even your sexuality? Rob 'Millsy' Mills thinks you can. Rob came out about having a threesome with Shane Jenek (aka Courtney Act) to normalise the conversation about sexual fluidity among men. Sean speaks with Rob about growing up with speculation over his sexuality simply because he was in the performing arts, why he decided to share the story about Courtney, how he told his partner about it, and what kind of future he wants for men exploring their sexuality. Follow Rob on Instagram: @robmillsymills Check out Rob's book 'Putting On A Show: Manhood, Mates and Mental Health' https://affirmpress.com.au/publishing/putting-on-a-show/ Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:44

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Your cheat sheet to surviving family Christmas as a queer person

12/22/2022
Merry Christmas my beautiful friends. You asked: “Help! My family isn’t accepting of my sexuality. They won’t let me bring my girlfriend home either, which makes me not want to go home for Christmas. Any tips?” So Sean reached out to his queer brain's trust to get their advice on how you can navigate the holiday season when your family doesn't accept your gender, sexuality, pronouns, partner or the way you dress. What do you do when someone uses your deadname? How do you answer when someone asks about your girlfriend (but you're gay)? Is it ever okay to skip family Christmas entirely? The holidays can be hard but we've got you ❤️ Get in touch with us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:16:52

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Jesse Dutlow was kicked out of church for being queer

12/20/2022
Jesse is a queer, non-binary actor and performer. They learned to sing, and fell in love with performance, in the Pentecostal Church as a kid and after school they studied songwriting for two years at Hillsong College. Jesse knew they were queer all that time but knew they couldn't come out and live authentically if they wanted to remain in the church. Jesse opens up to Sean about attempting to "pray the gay away", coming out via Facebook before they told their parents, and why they still miss church in spite of everything that's happened. Follow Jesse on Instagram: @jessedutlow See Jesse in '& Juliet' next year: https://andjuliet.com.au/ Jesse recommends the book 'UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality Paperback' by Colby Martin Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:43:20

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"Are you sure it's not a phase?" and other inappropriate questions with Robyn Lambird

12/15/2022
Robyn Lambird is a non-binary athlete and the first out non-binary Paralympian to win a medal at the Games. Impressive, right? So why are people so obsessed with asking them how they have sex or if being non-binary is all a big experiment? In today's Queer Question, I ask Robyn the most inappropriate questions they get about sexuality, gender, disability and relationships, to find out if these questions are ever okay to ask, and what's a better alternative. Follow Robyn on Instagram @robynlambird Check out the post that inspired this episode https://www.instagram.com/p/CfyhScfAdLt/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:22:21

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Ellia Green is living in the body he's meant to be in

12/13/2022
Ellia knew he was different before he ever had the language to describe how he felt. He knew he was different when he was winning gold for Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women's Rugby 7's team. But Ellia had a job to do. He had to represent his country, support his family, and fulfil a dream he'd had since he was a kid. It wasn't until Ellia retired from professional sport in 2021, and with the support of his partner Vanessa, that he had the time to comprehend the feelings he'd had since childhood and research what he could do to affirm his gender. Ellia sits down with Sean to share about his childhood sporting dreams and the athletes he looked up to, coming out as a trans man to his family in Fiji and his teammates post surgery, and why he didn't come out sooner. Follow Ellia on Instagram: @elliagreen Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:50:50

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Is it transphobic to call yourself bisexual?

12/8/2022
Today's Queer Question comes from you! You asked: how is bisexuality not transphobic and/or erasing to non-binary people? And we brought in friend of the podcast, non-binary content creator, actor, DJ and trainer, Kath Ebbs, to chat it through. Follow Kath on Instagram @kathebbs Listen to Kath's episode of Come Out Wherever You Are here https://link.chtbl.com/VtsaNurs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:27:13

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If it makes Jack Vidgen feel hot, he'll wear it

12/6/2022
Where's the line between gender, sexuality and self-expression? Jack dresses to feel good. Some days that means wearing a crop top and heels and he's no less of a man for doing so. But when Jack recently posted a photo of himself wearing a crop top, he lost followers. Jack sits down with Sean to explore why he thinks it happened, as well as coming out in the national spotlight, finding comfort in religion and dealing with constant (mostly unwanted) attention on the way he looks. Follow Jack on Instagram: @jack.vidgen Jack has a new track called 'Solo' https://open.spotify.com/track/5nwzyHrmtHFNHPZBauEXk5? Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:49:54

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My kid came out to me...what do I do?

12/1/2022
This one's for the parents. Every week you guys will DM me saying "my child has come out as gay or lesbian or trans or non-binary or "I don't know what I am but I feel different", what do I do!?" And every week, I reply with advice and resources and reassurance that it's all going to be okay, for your and for your child. So for this week's Queer Question, I take it out of the DMs, and into the podcast to help you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:17:37

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Dennis Altman shaped the gay liberation movement in Australia & USA

11/29/2022
From the HIV/AIDS epidemic, to marriage equality, to the current treatment of gay refugees in Australia, Dennis Altman has been there for all of it. He is a writer, an academic, Vice Chancellor's Fellow and Professorial Fellow in the Institute for Human Security at LaTrobe University in Melbourne. His first book 'Homosexual: Oppression and Liberation' is considered THE definitive text on the gay liberation movement. In his subsequent books he tackles sexuality, politics, the relationship between Australia and the United States and HIV/AIDS. In this far-reaching chat, Sean & Dennis discuss Dennis' experience of living in the USA when AIDS first emerged, Australia's treatment of LGBTQIA+ refugees, the commercialisation of Mardi Gras, his thoughts on marriage and Heartbreak High. Dennis' most recent books are: 'Unrequited Love: Diary of an Accidental Activist' https://publishing.monash.edu/product/unrequited-love/ 'God Save The Queen: the strange persistence of monarchies' https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/god-save-the-queen-9781922310569 Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:34:01

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Isaac Humphries & caring about male athletes coming out

11/24/2022
Last week Melbourne United basketball player, Isaac Humphries, came out as gay. This makes him the only openly gay male player in a top tier men's basketball team. In an emotional video posted to Humphries' Instagram, he shared that coming to terms with his sexuality forced him into a very dark and lonely place. "I hated it about myself. I was disgusted at myself. I thought that I could not be that person within our environment, within a basketball environment," he said. The news made headlines around the world, but left some people asking: do we care more about male athletes coming out than female athletes who do the exact same thing. And if so, why? In this week's Queer Question, Sean asks (and hopefully answers) that very Queer Question! Watch the video on Isaac's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck_5tLThTfs/ Get in touch with us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:12:45

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Carla from Bankstown is Ben from Bankstown too

11/22/2022
Who's the person behind the hair and makeup? Carla From Bankstown is one of Australia's most recognisable characters, but growing up as a flamboyant boy in Bankstown, Ben was asked to change himself so he wouldn't be a target for bullies. Ben sits down with Sean to share about growing up different, the unwavering support he's received from his parents, using Carla as a chance to play around with gender and sexuality and coming out on to the whole country on Celebrity Apprentice. Follow Carla on Instagram: @carlafrombankstown Listen to Carla's podcast 'OMG BRO' https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/omg-bro/id1630051393 Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:51:32

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Eminem: talented, homophobic and Hall of Fame worthy?

11/17/2022
Eminem has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He's the second-best selling male artist in US history, having sold over 220 million records worldwide and winning 15 Grammys and an Academy Award. Does he deserve to be there? Yes! But is it a problem that the lyrics of some of his most popular songs are not at all subtle in their homophobia? Also yes! In today's Queer Question, Sean asks: does homophobia stop you from being successful? Get in touch with us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:13:26

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Tom Ballard loves being gay

11/15/2022
Being gay is fundamental to who Tom Ballard is. His life, his career and his politics are all because he's gay, not in spite of it. Tom is one of Australia's most well-known and beloved comedians. From RAW Comedy, to triple j Breakfast, to Tonightly, Tom Ballard has been a mainstay in Australian media and comedy for more than a decade. Tom sits down with Sean to chat gay jokes, finding community, self-deprecating humour and how he's learned to love being gay. Tom has a book coming out! It's called 'I, Millennial: One Snowflake's Screed Against Boomers, Billionaires and Everything Else'. Follow Tom on Instagram: @tomcballard Check out his book https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/I-Millennial/Tom-Ballard/9781761100635 Head along to his Melbourne book launch https://www.readings.com.au/events/tom-ballard-in-conversation Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:48:18

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Kit O'Connor & Madonna have been accused of queerbaiting. Why does it matter?

11/10/2022
"i’m bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. i think some of you missed the point of the show. bye" After being driven off Twitter following accusations of 'queerbaiting', 18-year-old Heartstopper actor, Kit Connor, returned to the platform last week to make this announcement. His coming out forced us to ask questions about what queerbaiting actually is and if any one of us have a right to know a celebrity's sexuality (hint...we don't). It's a juicy Queer Questions today my friends. Read Kit's original tweet https://twitter.com/kit_connor/status/1587218539236188160 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:13:36

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Queer sex worker Tilly Lawless is still learning about sex

11/8/2022
What can sex work teach you about your sexuality? Why don't more women hire sex workers? Are straight people more judgemental of sex workers than queer people? Tilly Lawless is a queer sex worker, a writer and the host of the latest season of the podcast 'Tall Tales & True' where she shares 7 sex workers' stories. Tilly identifies as queer and started sleeping with women in her teen years. She started sex work after realising how easy it was to sleep with men. Tilly sits down with Sean to discuss her queer education on Tumblr, the differences she notices between how queer people and straight people engage in sexual relationships, deciding when to come out to her clients, and the time she was hired by a pregnant women. Listen to this one with headphones. Follow Tilly on Instagram: @tilly_lawless Listen to the latest season of Tales Tall & True https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/talltalesandtrue Tilly recommends you start with Chantell's episode https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/talltalesandtrue/chantell-martin-becoming-herself/101389990 Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:49:20

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Deni Todorović is rewriting the rules on fashion, gender & fitting in

11/3/2022
'Love This For You' is the debut book from beloved friend of the podcast Deni Todorović. Deni was the first ever guest on Come Out Wherever You Are. They shared their story of coming out twice: first as gay and then as non-binary. And now it's our turn to return the favour by telling you, our lovely listeners, about their book. 'Love This For You' is a powerful combination of self-development guide and memoir with practical activities to help you better understand yourself and rewrite your own rules. Deni opens up to Sean about the time their parents spotted them wearing a dress as a kid, how they've become more comfortable wearing a dress than jeans, hiding their queerness behind masks and body image pressures that persist regardless of gender. Follow Deni on Instagram: @stylebydeni Buy Deni's book where all good books are sold https://www.panterapress.com.au/product/love-this-for-you/ Get in touch with us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:26:43

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"My life's not sad" - James Parr on losing a limb and what men on Grindr say when you have one leg

11/1/2022
James Parr was diagnosed with cancer a week after he came out. At the same time that James was exploring himself as an out, bisexual man, he was also figuring out what his life would look like if he lost a limb. Now James takes pride in his disability and he will challenge anyone who tries to pity him or tell him that his life is "sad". James shares with Sean about running away from home as a kid, coming to terms with his sexuality in a hyper-masculine regional town, how he's gained confidence in his disability, and how he weeds out the men on Grindr who want to get to know him...and the men who want to fetishise him. Follow James on Instagram: @_jamesparr Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:51:43

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Why do queers love Halloween?

10/27/2022
It's Gay Christmas! 🎄🎃 To celebrate, Sean sits down with Sandy McIntyre to ask: Why are queer people so obsessed with Halloween? Where did the term "Gay Christmas" come from? Is it easier to wear a dress on Halloween? What if I'm a man and I wear a dress on Halloween...and I like it? And Sean & Sandy reveal what they'll be wearing this Halloween 👀 Follow Sandy on Instagram: @sandymcintyre Get in touch with us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:25:34

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An Intersex Q&A with Cody Smith

10/25/2022
Today is Intersex Awareness Day! It's no secret that intersex is one of the less represented and understood letters of the LGBTQIA+ alphabet, so this Intersex Awareness Day we've decided to bring in the big guns to ensure that all of us are a little bit more informed. Sean sits down with Cody Smith, Senior Projects Officer at Intersex Human Rights Australia to help answer all of your questions. If you wanted to know what intersex means, how common it is, if surgeries are currently legal in Australia, how it's different from being transgender, the appropriate language to use when talking to someone who is intersex, when parents should tell their children that they are intersex and if parents should tell their kids about surgeries performed after birth, then this is the episode for you. Follow Intersex Human Rights Australia: @intersexaus Read the Darlington Statement here: https://ihra.org.au/darlington-statement/#:~:text=We%20recognise%20that%20the%20stigmatisation,accessing%20of%20services%20including%20healthcare. Follow us on Instagram: @comeoutwhereveryouare Email us: comeouttous@gmail.com If this episode brought up any feelings for you or you want more information, these resources may help you: QLife: Call 1800 184 527 for a free phone service every day from 3pm – midnight. Visit their website www.qlife.org.au for a free webchat Minus18: Australia’s LGBTQIA+ charity. Follow them on social @minus18youth or visit their website on www.minus18.org.au for resources, events and training for your school or workplace Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:43